The government is ramping up efforts to impose stricter regulations on social media platforms, aiming to control the spread of information deemed harmful to the public.
This initiative was disclosed by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, during a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday.
The move follows a series of arrests and prosecutions of social media users under the Computer Misuse Act.
However, Dr. Baryomunsi clarified that while the government will not shut down platforms such as TikTok, it is exploring advanced technologies to regulate online content.
“We shall not close social media, including TikTok, as some leaders have suggested, but we are studying ways to implement technologies that will filter what content reaches the public,” he stated.
The push for tighter control comes amid growing concerns from government officials and religious leaders about the influence of social media.
During the recent Eid ul Fitr celebrations, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, called for the outright ban of TikTok, arguing that the platform fosters hatred and disunity.
“TikTok has become a problem, and I believe it will eventually lead to violence. The government shut down Facebook before, but TikTok is even worse and remains unregulated,” Sheikh Mubajje said.
He added that TikTok promotes idleness and misinformation and urged authorities to take decisive action.
Government restrictions on social media are not new. In 2021, the administration shut down Facebook, citing political bias during the general elections.
Despite this ban, many Ugandans, including government officials, continue to access the platform through alternative means.
Dr. Baryomunsi explained that Facebook remains banned because it promoted narratives unfavorable to the government.
“Facebook took sides in the last elections, which we saw as harmful. However, we are in discussions with the platform, and if we reach an agreement, we may allow its return,” he said.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has yet to comment on the matter. Efforts to reach UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo were unsuccessful.
However, the commission’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Bbosa, promised a response following consultations but had not done so by press time.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates are raising alarms over the increasing government control of digital spaces.
Anthony Masake, Executive Director of Chapter Four Uganda, warned that the proposed regulations further curtail free speech and dissent.
“The use of the Computer Misuse Act to suppress critical voices ahead of the 2026 elections is deeply concerning,” he said.
Masake also criticized calls to ban TikTok and other social media platforms, labeling them an attack on fundamental freedoms.
“Internet freedom is a human right and the oxygen of democracy. We urge the government to stop restricting online expression and lift the ban on Facebook.”
The government’s clampdown on the media extends beyond social media. During the recent Kawempe North by-elections, security forces reportedly planned and executed attacks on journalists covering the campaigns.
At least 18 journalists were assaulted, prompting several media houses to withdraw their reporters for safety reasons.
These acts of brutality sparked widespread condemnation both locally and internationally. In response, Dr. Baryomunsi announced plans for training programs to foster better collaboration between security officers and journalists.
“There is no justification for violence against journalists. Even if they commit an offense, there are lawful ways to address it,” he stated.
As Uganda tightens its grip on digital communication, concerns over censorship and the erosion of free speech continue to grow.
While the government argues that these measures are necessary for national stability, critics warn that they could be used to silence dissent and restrict democratic engagement.
